Miss Alyse Donnelly's fortunes fell after the sudden death of her parents and then a scandal that ruined her reputation. Now she's penniless and dependent on her cousin. He frequently reminds her that only out of the goodness of his heart does he allow her to live and work as an unpaid companion to her disagreeable aunt. They humiliate her whenever they can, removing her from her room and placing her in the drafty attic. She knows that her spirit is slowly dying under the repressive and demanding aunt and cousin. When her old childhood friend returns, Alyse hopes to renew his friendship, unless he ignores her after learning of her indiscretion.

After receiving a letter from his sister Beth that his elder brother is dying, Colonel Phineas Bromley hurries home. Ten years ago, he left after causing an accident that paralyzed his brother, William. Unable to face the results, Phineas fled to the Army hoping to die in battle. Instead, he fought bravely and rose in rank. Phineas prays he will return before his brother dies in order to beg forgiveness. When he arrives, Phineas finds his brother alive and well. Beth acknowledges her deception, but tells him of the misfortune that's befalling the estate and Williams' inability to stop it.

Phineas brokers an uneasy truce with his brother as he begins to search for answers. It becomes apparent that the new Viscount Donnelly might be involved, especially after seeing the viscount's treatment of Alyse. He draws Alyse into his investigation and the attraction between them renews. Phineas hates deceiving Alyse who's been cruelly lied to in the past, but he owes his brother. Conflicting alliances and the possibility of losing love make the choices Phineas and Alyse make all but impossible.

The second book in the superb Notorious Gentlemen series continues with a tale of dangerous liaisons. Ms. Enoch captures the emotional upheavals caused by a returning brother consumed with guilt by his youthful mistake in judgment. Redemption follows, but not until all the characters are tested by the strength of their loyalty and love.